Census Johnston the road to a professional rugby career

Mathew Cole from Sporple talks with Census Johnston. Census is a Samoan rugby union player who currently plays for French club Stade Toulousain in the Top 14. He has represented Samoa several times, and was in the Pacific Islanders’ (combined Fiji, Samoa, Tonga) team which toured Europe in November 2006. His usual position is prop. Johnson previously played for Saracens F.C. in the English Guinness Premiership, as well as for Biarritz Olympique, also in the French Top 14. He also played for Taranaki in the 2006 Air New Zealand Cup.

In this interview Census discusses the following:

How he got into rugby and what other sports he played growing up

At what point did he realise that rugby could become a career

The biggest differences between playing rugby in the UK, France and New Zealand

The changes in Samoan rugby over the last few years and how the New Zealand systems are influencing Samoan youth rugby

The mentors and influences he had throughout his career

Why good systems and values are so crucial

What advice he has for young players looking to make a career in rugby

Surround yourself with good people, good mentors, guys that will be there to help progress your career – Census’ advice for young players

Listen to the full interview and leave us your thoughts in the comments.